From Chiang Mai: White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House Tour

Chiang Mai , Thailand

From Chiang Mai: White Temple, Blue Temple, Black House Tour

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(2 reviews)

12h - 13h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

The "Black House, White Temple, and Blue Temple - One Day Trip" offers a rich cultural experience in Chiang Rai, visiting three iconic landmarks. Wat Rong Khun (White Temple) dazzles with its modern Thai art and symbolism of purity. Wat Rong Suea Ten (Blue Temple) features vivid blue interiors and intricate designs, while Baan Dam Museum (Black House) presents unique architecture and art by Thawan Duchanee. The tour includes a stop at Maekhachan Hot Spring, lunch, and round-trip transportation with an English-speaking guide. It’s ideal for exploring Chiang Rai’s artistic and cultural highlights in a single day.

Available options

Karen Visit: Excl. Entry Fee

Long Neck Karen Visit<br/>Pickup included

Standard Tour: Excl. Entry Fee

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water

Lunch

Air-conditioned vehicle

Accident Insurance.

English-Speaking Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Mae Khachan Hot Spring, in Wiang Pa Pao, Chiang Rai, is a popular stop between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Visitors can soak their feet or boil eggs in the natural hot spring pools. Surrounded by greenery, it offers a peaceful break for travelers. The site includes vendors selling snacks and souvenirs, along with shaded seating for relaxation. Its convenient location makes it a great stop on a road trip.

Stop 2

Wat Rong Khun, or the White Temple, is a stunning contemporary art-inspired Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand. Designed by artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, it stands out with its all-white façade symbolizing purity and intricate glass mosaics representing wisdom and enlightenment. The temple blends traditional Thai architecture with modern elements, including unconventional murals featuring pop culture icons. Visitors enter through a bridge over a "sea of suffering," symbolizing the path to nirvana. Inside, the ornate main hall showcases detailed artworks and cultural themes. Wat Rong Khun is both a spiritual site and an artistic masterpiece, attracting visitors worldwide for its uniqueness.

Stop 3

Wat Rong Suea Ten, known as the Blue Temple, is a striking Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai, Thailand, famous for its vivid blue and gold color scheme. Designed by a protégé of Chalermchai Kositpipat, the creator of the White Temple, it blends traditional Thai architecture with modern artistic elements. The temple's intricate decorations include detailed carvings and a stunning white Buddha statue at its center, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. The rich blue interiors create a serene and mystical ambiance. "Suea Ten" translates to "Dancing Tiger," referencing local legends. This temple is a must-visit for its beauty and cultural significance.

Baan Dam Museum, or the Black House Museum, is an eclectic art installation and museum in Chiang Rai, Thailand, created by the late Thai artist Thawan Duchanee. Unlike traditional museums, Baan Dam consists of over 40 unique black-themed structures showcasing a mix of Lanna-style architecture and unconventional designs. The museum houses a diverse collection of artwork, animal bones, skins, and sculptures, reflecting themes of life, death, and spirituality. Known for its dark, thought-provoking atmosphere, Baan Dam explores the balance between beauty and mortality. It offers visitors a glimpse into Thawan's creative mind and serves as a significant cultural and artistic landmark.

After this museum, we will travel back to Chiang Mai and you can choose to join an optional Karen Long Neck visit (300 THB extra fee) This activity takes 30 minutes. Guests who don't join the activity can walk around the area. (This optional activity time is separated from the visit time at Baan Dam Museum)

What's not included

Karen Long Neck Visit (optional, 300 THB pay on spot)

Luggage or Big Backpack (larger than 20 liters) loading (500 THB/piece)

White Temple + Black House (mandatory, 180 THB/person) *** Will be 280 THB from January 1, 2026, as the White Temple entry fee will increase by 100 THB.

Available languages

Guide guide

TH EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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4★

3★

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1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

1 reviews

5★

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2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Please be aware that the length of the tour as a whole includes travel time.

Meeting point

Please wait for the van in front of Starbucks, Maya Lifestyle Shopping Center.

About Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a historic and cultural hub in Northern Thailand, known for its ancient temples, vibrant night markets, and lush mountain surroundings. It offers a blend of traditional Lanna culture and modern amenities, making it a favorite destination for travelers seeking both adventure and relaxation.

Top Attractions

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

A stunning temple perched on a mountain with panoramic views of Chiang Mai. It's one of the most sacred temples in Thailand and a must-visit for its beauty and cultural significance.

Religious 2-3 hours 30 THB (1 USD) for foreigners

Old City

The historic heart of Chiang Mai, surrounded by ancient walls and moats. It's filled with temples, markets, and traditional Lanna-style buildings.

Historical Half day to full day Free to explore, individual temples may charge a small fee

Doi Inthanon National Park

Known as the 'Roof of Thailand,' this national park is home to the highest peak in Thailand and offers breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.

Nature Full day 300 THB (9 USD) for foreigners, additional fees for specific attractions

Elephant Nature Park

A renowned elephant sanctuary offering ethical elephant encounters and rescue operations. Visitors can learn about elephant conservation and interact with these gentle giants.

Adventure Full day 2,500-5,000 THB (75-150 USD) depending on the program

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

A vibrant night market offering a wide variety of souvenirs, clothing, and street food. It's a great place to experience the local culture and pick up unique gifts.

Entertainment 2-3 hours Free to enter, prices vary for items and food

Must-Try Local Dishes

Khao Soi

A signature Northern Thai dish featuring egg noodles in a creamy curry broth, topped with crispy noodles and pickled mustard greens.

Dinner Contains meat (chicken or beef), gluten (noodles)

Sai Oua

A Northern Thai sausage made with minced pork, lemongrass, kaffir lime, and other aromatic spices.

Snack Contains pork, gluten (optional)

Som Tam

A spicy green papaya salad made with shredded unripe papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, and a tangy dressing.

Snack Can be made vegetarian or with fish sauce

Popular Activities

Hiking in Doi Inthanon National Park Elephant trekking (at ethical sanctuaries) Zip-lining in the jungle Visiting spas and wellness centers Exploring temples and cultural sites Enjoying coffee at local cafes Attending traditional Thai dance performances Visiting local markets and shopping for handicrafts

Best Time to Visit

November to February (cool season)

This is the most popular time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and lower humidity. It's ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-30°C (59-86°F) 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Thai
Widely spoken: English (widely spoken in tourist areas)
English: Widely spoken in tourist areas, Moderately spoken in other areas

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Chiang Mai is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate and friendly locals. However, as with any destination, it's essential to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
• Use reputable tour operators and transportation services
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight

Getting there

By air

Chiang Mai International Airport • 3 km (2 miles) from city center

By train

Chiang Mai Railway Station

By bus

Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Station, Chiang Mai Old Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Songthaews are converted pickup trucks with benches in the back. They follow specific routes and are a cheap and convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old City Nimmanhaemin (Nimman) Santitham

Day trips

Pai

135 km (84 miles) • Full day to overnight

A charming mountain town known for its laid-back atmosphere, hot springs, and scenic landscapes. Pai offers a mix of relaxation and adventure, with opportunities for hiking, visiting waterfalls, and exploring local markets.

Mae Kampong Village

35 km (22 miles) • Half day to full day

A picturesque hill tribe village known for its traditional way of life, lush surroundings, and warm hospitality. Mae Kampong offers a glimpse into the local culture and a chance to experience the simplicity of rural life.

Doi Inthanon National Park

90 km (56 miles) • Full day

Known as the 'Roof of Thailand,' this national park is home to the highest peak in Thailand and offers breathtaking landscapes, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It's a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Festivals

Songkran Festival • April 13-15 (Thai New Year) Loy Krathong Festival • Full moon of the 12th lunar month (November) Yi Peng Festival • Full moon of the 12th lunar month (November, same as Loy Krathong)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Thai phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Hire a local guide or join a guided tour to gain insights into the city's history and culture
Visit temples early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat
Explore the city's night markets and street food scene for an authentic and memorable experience
Try a traditional Thai massage or spa treatment for relaxation and rejuvenation